The inaugural Ag Summit is technically a nonpartisan event, but for the many big-name Republicans headed this way, this is the next milestone in this early 2016 caucus season.

It could be an important second act for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who made waves at the Iowa Freedom Summit in January.

“Will he stand up well against the other people? Or will anyone else begin to break through and crowd the stage along with Walker and indeed, Bush,” said KCCI political analyst Dennis Goldford.

Potential candidates will not only discuss ethanol and biofuels, but other topics, including immigration policies that affect the vast majority of farmers.

“Eighty-percent of the dairy farms in the US have immigrant labor,” said event organizer Bruce Rastetter.

Rastetter organized the event, believing past election cycles have lacked such important conversations.

“Have a substantive policy discussion, rather than just a speech or them just talking about a cliché on this or that. But actually how do they think, why do they think that, and make sure that they educate themselves ahead of time,” said Rastetter.

More than 1,000 Iowans will attend, plus hundreds of media members, bringing with them a national spotlight. Though it is clearly a special interest event, the issues at the forefront affect everyone.

“Every American has to eat. And food is important, the safety of food,” said Rastetter.

The agricultural summit is this Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Elwell Family Food Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Rastetter invited some Democrats, who declined. The liberal advocacy group Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement will protest the summit on Friday and Saturday.